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Okay I finally got my p70 XD and I have decided it's time to start learning theory.I want to learn the very basics the things that are required without getting so in depth that I feel like I have to follow a certain law to play right.What books will teach me the very basics of theory and are good for beginners?Also are there any good books on arranging/composing?Is there a book that will teach me to read sheet music?

and finally what are some songs are good for a beginner to learn to teach them the basics?

_________________________“Being able to hear recorded music freed up loads of musicians that couldn't necessarily afford to learn to read or write music. With recording, it was emancipation for the people.” -Keith Richards

Yes there are more Alfred books, this means - different volumes. Of course you should start with the first one. there are also Faber books which are said to be good. All this books will teach you reading from sheet music.

excuse me for my stupidity but I still feel confused about which piano books to get from alfred publishing?they have many different series ect. Could someone be more specific about what I should get first? im confused

The Faber books people have mentioned are the two "Adult Piano Adventures" books. More info here: www.fjhmusic.com

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"If we continually try to force a child to do what he is afraid to do, he will become more timid, and will use his brains and energy, not to explore the unknown, but to find ways to avoid the pressures we put on him." (John Holt)

Learning to read music takes time, but you can help yourself along if you pick up pieces and read them through when you're not at the piano. I spend quite a lot of time looking at music I'm nowhere near ready to play yet, and it's definitely helped me to improve my sight-reading.

A good book on composition is The Study of Counterpoint - translated by Alfred Mann from Johann Joseph Fux's Gradus Ad Parnassum. You work out the exercies on your own, and there are samples in the book of correct implementation as well as some corrected exercies to show common mistakes. It progresses from simple note against note part-writing, to multiple notes against a fixed note, to multiple part writing. This is the basis of western polyphonic music, such as Bach. The original text has been around since the time of Bach, I believe, and Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven studied it. So it is definately worth checking out. The only prerequisite is an understanding of intervals. i.e.: you need to know what a sixth up from D is in a given mode.By the way, sorry for being a little sarcastic in another post.